Music Ministry

“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art.” (Vatican II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, §112)

The Music Ministry of St. Nicholas Catholic Church is made up of many parishioners who serve by providing music at Mass. There are many opportunities to serve, whether as a choir member or a Cantor or an instrumentalist. The Music Ministry encourages and fosters the participation of the entire congregation in singing at Mass.

Our singing at Mass is a participation in the divine liturgy which unites Heaven and Earth; for at Mass, our voices join with the choirs of angels and saints.

If you love music, we have a place for you! We have a Children’s Choir, Folk Group for teens and adults, and Family Choir for all ages!

Family Choir

12 hours/month. Membership is open to all. Weekly practice is on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Informal vocal training provided, classical and Vatican II era Catholic repertoire. Come alone or bring a friend, spouse, son or daughter. Family Choir alternates between 5:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. weekend Masses.

Folk Group

12 hours/month. Membership is by interview for 6th Grade – Adults. Weekly practice is on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays before 11 a.m. Mass. Commitment is a must but the rewards are great: good musical, social, and spiritual mix, plus an Outer Banks beach retreat! Repertoire includes contemporary Catholic music, sacred music of diverse cultures, classical, chant, and more!

Children’s Choir

6 hours/month. Open to all in grade levels 2^nd-6^th. Weekly practice September through early June. Sing at Mass twice each month during the school year and at special events. Vocal and music training provided with varied styles, plenty of fun. Bring a friend.

Christmas/Easter Choir

22-hour commitment to each feast. Organized to celebrate the feasts of Christmas and Holy Week/Easter. Short term commitment to a more sophisticated liturgical repertoire. Practice dates will be announced in the bulletin.

Cantors and Instrumentalists

Special ministries for those gifted with individual talent and extra training. Requires an interview with the Music Director.

Schola Cantorum

A small vocal ensemble for singers with advanced musical skills and choral experience. The Schola learns one major choral work per season and presents it at Mass and at seasonal events such as Lessons and Carols. Pieces studied have included “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen and “The Beatitudes” by Arvo Pärt.

Resurrection Choir

Commitment varies based on need. The Resurrection Choir will provide music for funerals at St. Nicholas. We will gather 45 minutes prior to each funeral to review music. Funerals are most often held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the late morning hours.

For more information or to become a Music Ministry member, contact:

James Gardner
Director of Music Ministry
757-340-7231, ext. 18.